June 14, 2021

Comparison of Symptoms and RNA Levels in Children and Adults With SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Community Setting

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Clinical Characteristics and Health Care Setting

Keywords (Tags): children, clinical characteristics, WA, washington

• SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels, as determined by cycle threshold (Ct) values, were significantly higher in symptomatic compared to asymptomatic individuals, and no significant differences in RNA levels were detected between adults and children, according to results from a community-based cross-sectional study in King County, Washington. Among 555 SARS-CoV-2–positive participants, 47 of 123 children (38%) were asymptomatic compared to 31 of 432 (7%) adults, and children with symptoms reported fewer symptoms than symptomatic adults. 

Chung et al. (June 2021). Comparison of Symptoms and RNA Levels in Children and Adults With SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Community Setting. JAMA Pediatrics. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2021.2025